Chemistry

Chemistry is often known as the ‘central science’, since it involves principles and practices that connect with other scientific subjects, including Physics, Mathematics, Biology, medicine and earth and environmental sciences.

It touches almost every aspect of our existence, from food and farming to the air we breathe, while chemical technologies are at the forefront of advances in fields such as health, materials and energy usage. In short, Chemistry is fundamental to our world and to our progress as a society.

The study of Chemistry is, therefore, both fascinating and intellectually demanding. At QE, it involves learning through collaborative discovery: pupils are encouraged to engage in discussion and to ask questions pertinent to the objectives of the lesson. Our aim is that all boys should acquire a good understanding of the fundamentals of Chemistry and of why material processes occur.

We aim to teach boys how to think for themselves and work logically through a problem so that, in time, they will be able to apply knowledge of one situation in order to evaluate and predict the outcomes of another.

Practical work naturally underpins learning in this subject, and extensive resources are available to the department to support teaching.

Chemistry is a very popular subject in the Sixth Form and many boys pursue Science-based courses at university. Since the chemical and allied industries – fuels, pharmaceuticals, fragrances – are the UK economy’s most important manufacturing industries, career prospects are excellent.

Lower School pupil: Passionate about practicals

“My favourite thing about Chemistry is that it is very logical, so I can easily understand new ideas using already known theories," says Bhargab Ghoshal. "Moreover, it is fun and enjoyable – especially the practicals.” He has become more confident in Chemistry, especially in practical work, in terms of both safety and the reliability and the repeatability of his results. “I have also become more succinct in my explanation which, in turn, has helped me with my understanding of concepts.”

He has a number of extra-curricular interests, including the Combined Cadet Force and robotics; he is also in the School Choir and the Sinfonia. Bhargab plans to take Chemistry at A-level as he would like to progress into the world of medicine – "a very dynamic field.” He hopes one day to use his love of Chemistry to research and develop new drugs against cancer and AIDS.

Old Elizabethans: Oilman's international career

Former School Captain Jason Breslaw (OE 1994–2001) has forged an international career with oil giant BP since graduating from Cambridge with a degree in Natural Sciences in 2004.

Originally based in London, from where he covered a territory including Europe, Africa and Russia, he moved in 2016 to lead the multinational company’s distillate trading origination business across the Americas.

A much-lauded industry conference speaker with more than a decade's experience working on BP's oil trading floors in London and Chicago, he is involved in trading in marine, aviation and ground fuels. He also plays a leading part in the company's global Marpol (Marine Pollution) 2020 project.

Head of Chemistry: Dr Malcolm Russell

Dr Russell joined QE as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) after completing his Post-Graduate Certification of Education qualification and has "happily remained here to the present day".

His first degree and doctorate are both from the University of York. During his time at QE, he first became Head of Lower School Science before being appointed successively Head of Chemistry and then, after a few years, Head of Science. His roles have also included co-ordinating School prize-giving.

For Dr Russell, Chemistry is a fascinating subject: "It brings together all that we know about the world around us and both explains why events happen and allows us to predict and manipulate what we would like to happen, in a practical sense."

"Working at QE has allowed me to interact with a number of wonderful individuals, both staff and students alike. The boys’ quest for knowledge and attainment is a large reason for my enjoyment of teaching here."

As a department, Science has engaged with training aspiring teachers over the years. This is something Dr Russell is very keen to continue because of its value in inspiring future professionals as they progress through their careers. NQTs are encouraged to become involved in the Prince's Teaching Institute scheme. "We have also hosted, and visited, several other Science departments around the country to help with advice when requested."

Upper School pupil: Interesting, even when it’s “wrong”

“My favourite aspect of Chemistry is the practicals,” says Showgo Kimura. “It’s very satisfying to be able to predict the outcomes of experiments; even if they don’t go as planned, it’s still very interesting to find out why they went wrong.” He found that taking part in the Olympiad improved his knowledge of organic Chemistry.

Showgo plays in the First XV and also leads the Symphony Orchestra and the Camerata. He is planning on taking a Chemistry module at university, which he believes will be of use in his career ambition to work in research at a pharmaceutical company.

Old Elizabethans: Global expert on supply chains

After reading Chemistry at Birmingham, US-based Stuart Blinder (OE 1961-1968) went on to build an illustrious career with Unilever. He is now a sought-after expert on international supply chains.

After Birmingham, Stuart took a Finance and Marketing double major MBA from Manchester Business School in 1971-1973. He then spent 26 years with Unilever, rising to become Senior Vice President, Business Strategy & Co-Leader of E-Commerce Branding Initiatives in North America.

After a number of years with international consulting and advisory services firm, Equus, he is now CEO of the independent business which manages all aspects of the product value chain for Crabtree & Evelyn, the international retailer of body, fragrance and home care products.